What Is A Disabling Condition?

If you have suffered an accident or injury, or otherwise think you may qualify for disability in Washington State, it’s important to find out. A wide variety of conditions exist that may qualify as disabling, resulting from a number of different accidents, injuries, or life circumstances.

We’ll discuss what a disability is, what types of disability compensation you might be eligible for, and how a lawyer can help.

A General Definition of Disability

The Americans with Disabilities Act defines a disability as “a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities of such individual.”

The Washington State Health Care Authority offers a more specific definition for residents of the state: “A disability means being unable to perform with reasonable continuity the duties of your job as a result of sickness, injury, or pregnancy during the benefit waiting period and the first 24 months for which long term disability benefits are payable.”

What Types of Disability Exist?

While all types of disability involve the affected person being unable to work or perform their normal activities, each benefit provider has different criteria for qualifying as disabled and eligible for benefits. You may qualify for disability benefits through long-term disability insurance purchased by your employer.

You may also qualify for benefits through your state’s Veterans Association, in which case you must have performed military service which has resulted in your disability. If so, you could conceivably receive significant benefits.

Possibly you can qualify for benefits through Social Security Income. To do so, you must satisfy a number of conditions, including being unable to work, being severely impaired, having an approved medical condition, and being unable to perform other types of work or past work.

If You Have a Disability, What Are Your Options?

While there are multiple types of disability claims that you can theoretically file, several things can go wrong with that. If your claim is not correctly filed, you may be denied even if you are eligible. And even when your claim is correctly filed, you may need the help of a specialist to dispute a denial of your claim. Additionally, as discussed above, meeting specifications can be quite difficult and nitpicky.

It’s also important to be aware that even if you’ve suffered an accident and don’t appear to have any injuries directly afterward, that doesn’t mean they can’t develop over time as a result of a violent accident or impact. For instance, you might have hidden injuries that develop after a car crash. So if it has been a while since your accident and you’re noticing symptoms, don’t hesitate to get in touch with a reputable attorney who can help you assess whether you have a disability and if you’re due compensation.

If you’re ready to talk to an attorney today, please get in touch with Lehmbecker Law. We will help you by giving you a free case evaluation, and help determine whether you can get compensation and filing a claim if you can. It’s time to move on with your life, we can help you get the benefits you deserve.

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Our Clients

“Please allow me to take this moment of your time to say thank you to all the members in your firm who worked on my case. I was so proud of the way my attorney handled herself and stood by myside during the court proceedings. It has been an honor and a privilege for me having all your legal help and advice for the past two years. It’s hard to say goodbye. Again, thank you.”

KimKent, WA

“Thanks again for all your help! You made a difficult situation much easier on us. We really appreciate everything you’ve done.”

Alana

“Lehmbecker Law has been outstanding in helping me deal with my Workers’ Comp claim. Before I hired them, it was very stressful trying to deal with the insurance companies and the medical bills. As soon as Lehmbecker Law took my case, my stress levels dropped and I was able to concentrate on getting better. I would highly recommend them to anyone who needs help with their workers’ comp claim.”

N.H.Woodinville, WA

“After a full year of fighting, Lehmbecker Law got me a full year of back wage loss. I couldn’t be happier or more relieved. This will make such a difference in my life. Now we are working on my vocational plan. Lehmbecker Law has been there for me and I will recommend them to anyone who needs help fighting L&I.”

A. MayberryWoodinville, WA

“After my mother and I were involved in a car accident at the Westfield Shopping Mall at Southcenter I was in a lot of pain. Having your law firm oversee my medical treatment and make sure my bills got paid took away a lot of my stress. And, the settlement I received was even more than I expected. I recommend that anyone involved in a car accident call you and get representation. I truly believe I received a bigger settlement with you fighting for me than I would have gotten on my own.”

M. BonifacioFederal Way, WA

“I am very happy with the results I received from settling two different cases I had with Mr. Lehmbecker and his law firm. My husband and I had an automobile accident in 2007 for which we received excellent compensation. Later, in 2012, I had another automobile accident for which I also had great compensation considering that I had a previous auto accident and had sustained injuries to the same body parts.

Mr. Lehmbecker is a very caring and knowledgeable attorney and I felt confident throughout both my cases that he would give me excellent results. I highly recommend Mr. Lehmbecker to anyone who has a personal injury, worker’s compensation or medical malpractice case.”

Y. KnottsRedmond, WA

“I am a lawyer in this community and have had the pleasure of working side by side with two lawyers from this firm, as well as some of the staff members. I am always glad to see other lawyers in the community doing a good job in representing their clients, and the lawyers with Larry Lehmbecker’s office will do that.”

“I have known Larry Lehmbecker for 15 years. I have conferred with Larry over the years regarding personal injury and workers’ compensation issues because I respect his knowledge and experience. I have always found his problem solving and case strategy skills to be thoughtful, practical, and helpful. I consider Larry to be one of top attorneys in his field.”

Attorney Christine Foster

“I had never been in a motor vehicle accident before, and I didn’t know who to turn to for help. After doing research on law firms in the area, I learned about Lehmbecker Law. My case was not an easy one, and there was a lot of emotion along the way. The team at Lehmbecker Law was terrific at navigating the difficulties of my case, from beginning to end. Throughout the process they were responsive, professional, and put my mind at ease during a difficult time. I strongly recommend that anybody who has been in a serious accident reach out to Lehmbecker Law.”

KatrinaIssaquah

“Recently, I needed legal services to help me with my injury claim resulting from a drunk driver. The team at Lehmbecker Law was very helpful in the resolution of my claim. If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t have known how to address the many issues in my case. I would strongly recommend Lehmbecker Law for people who are injured and need help.”

MozeylSeattle

“This is an outstanding firm. I have used them twice now, and I would recommend them strongly to anybody who needs legal advice. I had a great experience with both of my cases. They are a very caring firm that truly has their clients’ best interests at heart.”